Almost a third of Brits are worried they don't have enough money to last through the festive period

As a result, eight in 10 will use money saving tactics ahead of the big day - including buying frozen, using online vouchers and buying gifts in advance.

Other methods include making gifts at home and shopping at charity shops.

And it appears to pay off, with the typical Brit estimating they’ll save £217.94 over Christmas by being clever with their cash.

Signing up to loyalty schemes, selling clothes online and flogging goods at car boot sales are among the methods used by those polled to boost their income ahead of 25 December.

The research was commissioned by Iceland to celebrate its Bonus Card which has a ‘load and save’ function to help shoppers save for Christmas throughout the year.

The survey also found 28 per cent of Brits are better prepared financially for Christmas – partially due to making their money go further.

Top money saving methods

HERE are the top 30 money saving methods used by Brits ahead of Christmas:

1. Shop about online

2. Use sites such as Amazon and eBay

3. Use bonus or loyalty cards

4. Buy presents months in advance

5. Use online voucher codes

6. Bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket

7. Shop on black Friday

8. Stock up on BOGOF offers

9. Stock the freezer

10. Find discounts at outlet stores

11. Agree with my partner not to buy gifts for one another

12. Avoid putting the heating on (use more duvets and blankets)

13. Buy frozen food

14. Switch to a cheaper supermarket

15. Sell your items

16. Buy from charity shops

17. Avoid buying branded items

18. Set up a savings account

19. Make your own gifts

20. Set a secret Santa limit of £5

21. Cooking in bulk

22. Make your own decorations

23. Eat chicken instead of turkey

24. Book train, bus and plane tickets early

25. Send online cards instead of letters

26. Chat to family and friends for free on Skype or WhatsApp

27. Get a second job

28. Quit drinking in November

29. Going on a diet

30. Break open the piggy bank

But despite having a limited budget, six in 10 admitted they tend to overspend during the festive period.

And 80 per cent of those tend to go overboard and fork out ‘too much’ on presents.

Half said they get carried away when it comes to food, a third overspend on drinks and one in ten do the same on decorations.

The research also found 38 per cent love coming up with inventive ways to save money over the festive period.

And perhaps they are motivated by disappointing Christmases in the past - 28 per cent said a lack of funds has ‘ruined’ Yuletide for them.

As a result, a quarter will attempt to even up their spending by selling old items to make some extra cash.

In previous years one in 10 have even taken a second job – just to cover the cost of the festive period.

The Iceland research also found 33 per cent have bought presents in the January sales in order to make the next Christmas a little cheaper.

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Neil Hayes of Iceland, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time of year, with families finding themselves financially stretched.

“With so many people planning Christmas spending earlier and earlier, we’re proud we can support our shoppers in this way.”

* Iceland bonus card holders can receive £2 for every £20 saved from 29 October until 18 November, to help with Christmas spending (usual saving £1 per £20).

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